Our Midwest client, the nation’s leader in fermented foods, is looking for a skilled and dynamic leader to head up its Quality Assurance organization. This newly formed company, which continues to grow organically and through acquisitions, offers the Senior Quality Assurance Manager position with a promising potential for growth and development, working closely with the company's top executives. This role presents an exciting opportunity for career advancement and personal growth.  

Job Description: 

The Senior Quality Assurance Manager plays a crucial role in assuring that all food products meet quality and safety standards before they reach the consumer. This responsibility involves developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance protocols and systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and leading a team of quality assurance professionals. The Senior QA Manager's work with production, procurement, and other departments is instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, ensuring the highest standards of consumer safety.

Accountable for:

• Design, implement, and manage quality assurance protocols and procedures.
• Prepare for and manage external audits and inspections.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of food safety and quality regulations.
• Develop and implement HACCP plans, GMP guidelines, and SOPs.
• Monitor and report on quality performance metrics.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members.
• Foster a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, customer complaints, and non-conformances.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements.
• Work with Sales and Marketing to support Customer Visits.
• Prepare and present reports on QA performance and compliance status.
• Ensure documentation is in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Develop and maintain supplier quality assurance programs.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

 Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in quality management. Fresh produce and or fermentation experience preferred.
• Proven experience in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Multiple plant oversight is a plus.
• Ability to commercialize new product concepts.

 Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FSMA, GFSI).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in quality management systems and software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• HACCP certification
• Certification in GFSI: SQF and or BRC

Benefits:

401(k) and 401(k) matching
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
AD&D Insurance
Vision Insurance

The offer is based on market and internal data, the candidate's level of education, and the candidate's level of experience, including additional licensures and credentials.